Sports

Press file photo - Junior Ken Modlin runs the 500-meter dash in the Mountain Eight Conference Championships Jan. 29.

Press file photo - Junior Ken Modlin runs the 500-meter dash in the Mountain Eight Conference Championships Jan. 29.

Track readies for state title bid

Will Woolever
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Panther track and field might be one week away from a state title. Throughout the winter season, Franklin has boasted two of 5A’s top teams, seeking their third state championship of the past three years.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Bristol Brooks attempts a 3-pointer versus Smoky Mountain Feb. 6.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Bristol Brooks attempts a 3-pointer versus Smoky Mountain Feb. 6.

Girls win three straight

Will Woolever
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
The end of the regular season is at hand for Panther women’s hoops.  In the last weeks of their regular season Franklin closed out their Mountain Eight schedule, playing their final six games against conference opponents.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Jack Teesateskie elevates to the rim versus Smoky Mountain Feb. 6.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Jack Teesateskie elevates to the rim versus Smoky Mountain Feb. 6.

Boys tied for 1st in M8C

Will Woolever
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Panther men’s hoops is nearing a co-conference title.  In the last weeks of their regular season Franklin closed out their Mountain Eight schedule, playing their final six games against conference opponents.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior Gunner McConnell attempts a 3-point shot versus Pisgah Jan. 28.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior Gunner McConnell attempts a 3-point shot versus Pisgah Jan. 28.

Men’s hoops four wins shy of M8 title

Will Woolever
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Panther men’s hoops is closing in on a conference title. After routing Andrews Jan. 21, the team prepared for the home stretch of their regular season, ending their campaign with six straight Mountain Eight games. With three more blowout wins, they maintained their hold on first place.  On Jan.
Press file photo - Thatcher Daniels swims the 200-yard individual medley in the Mountain Eight Conference Championships at the Jackson County Aquatic Center in Cullowhee Jan. 20.

Press file photo - Thatcher Daniels swims the 200-yard individual medley in the Mountain Eight Conference Championships at the Jackson County Aquatic Center in Cullowhee Jan. 20.

Swim regionals canceled, athletes advance

Will Woolever
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
The Franklin area swim and dive teams’ plans were cancelled last weekend. After the Mountain Eight Conference Championships, Franklin High School and Macon Early College prepared for their respective regional meets, planning trips to Charlotte and Greensboro Jan. 29-31.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Panther track and field are pictured at the Mountain Eight Conference Championships at the Tryon International Equestrian Center Jan. 29.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Panther track and field are pictured at the Mountain Eight Conference Championships at the Tryon International Equestrian Center Jan. 29.

Track sweeps M8 title meet

Will Woolever
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Panther track and field are Mountain Eight Conference champs. On Jan. 29, the team traveled to the Tryon International Equestrian Center for the M8C title meet. There they earned men’s and women’s conference titles in blowout fashion.
Sophomore Drew Hodges competes in the long jump at Macon Middle School last December. (Press file photo)

Sophomore Drew Hodges competes in the long jump at Macon Middle School last December. (Press file photo)

Track readies for postseason

Will Woolever
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
The conference meet is at hand for Panther track and field. In the weeks before the Mountain Eight Championship, Franklin continued to round into postseason form, traveling to two separate meets at the Tryon Equestrian Center. There they impressed in their last action of the regular season.
April Perez battles a wrestler from Smoky Mountain on Tom Raby Court last year. (Press file photo)

April Perez battles a wrestler from Smoky Mountain on Tom Raby Court last year. (Press file photo)

Wrestling girls place 3rd at M8 tournament

Will Woolever
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
The postseason is underway for Panther wrestling. On Jan. 22, the team traveled to East Henderson for the Mountain Eight Championships, battling their conference foes in an individual tourney. Led by multiple podium finishes from the girls, Franklin continued to round into late-season form.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Gavin Alverson wins a photo finish in the boys’ 200-yard medley relay at the Mountain Eight Conference Swimming Championships at the Jackson County Aquatic Center in Cullowhee Jan. 20.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Gavin Alverson wins a photo finish in the boys’ 200-yard medley relay at the Mountain Eight Conference Swimming Championships at the Jackson County Aquatic Center in Cullowhee Jan. 20.

Swim impresses at M8 meet

Will Woolever
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
The conference meet is in the books for Panther swim and dive. From Jan. 14-20, Franklin competed in the Mountain Eight Championships, traveling to Asheville and Cullowhee for a two-part meet.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Eleanor Kessler competes for Macon Early College in the 100-yard backstroke at Franklin Health and Fitness Dec. 10.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Eleanor Kessler competes for Macon Early College in the 100-yard backstroke at Franklin Health and Fitness Dec. 10.

Swim and dive teams prepare for postseason

Will Woolever
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
The Franklin area’s swim and dive teams are preparing for the postseason.  Upon returning from Christmas break, Franklin High School and Macon Early College entered the home stretch, with just two full meets left this regular season.